Cebu Sports Commissioner Advocates for Comprehensive Athlete Support Beyond Competitive Years
Newly appointed Cebu Provincial Sports Commission (CPSC) member Paul Jake Castillo is urging the government to expand its support for athletes, advocating for assistance that extends far beyond their winning seasons and continues after they retire from competition.
Castillo, who officially took his oath as a private sector representative on Thursday, April 16, 2026, emphasized that athletic success should not be measured solely by medals and podium finishes. "What the commissioner should think about is the future of the athlete," Castillo stated, highlighting that fame and public recognition are inherently temporary.
He elaborated that athletes deserve structured support systems that address life after sports, including educational opportunities and career transition assistance. "What happens after their career — that's what we should focus on, not just the fame," Castillo added, stressing the need for sustainable athlete development.
Revitalizing Grassroots Sports Programs
The CPSC, originally established in 2014 to oversee provincial sports initiatives, had been inactive for the past six years. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has now revived the commission through a new executive order, signaling renewed commitment to sports development.
CPSC Chairman Dr. Rhoel Dejaño announced plans for a free summer sports program targeting young athletes across the province. This initiative will concentrate on grassroots development, focusing on training beginners and nurturing young talent. Final program details and budgetary allocations are currently under development.
Castillo emphasized the urgency of implementation, noting "We have to be fast because summer is not going to wait for us." The program is expected to include multiple sports disciplines such as:
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Football
- Athletics
- Dancesport
Ensuring Fair Selection and Broad Support
Castillo expressed his personal support for various sports including boxing, basketball, and motorsports, while remaining open to fostering growth across all athletic disciplines in Cebu. He stressed that athlete selection processes must prioritize fairness and skill-based evaluation.
"I expect things to change, where we can have proper competition and see who is really number one," Castillo remarked, advocating for transparent and meritocratic systems in sports development.
Commission Leadership and Inclusivity Goals
The revitalized CPSC is led by Chairman Dr. Rhoel Dejaño and Vice Chairman Loren Singco, tasked with guiding and managing comprehensive sports programs throughout Cebu province. Commission membership includes private sector representatives Mark Anthony Ynoc, Francis Chad Salimbangon, Blake Nelson Go, and Mark Leo Chang.
They are joined by Provincial Board Members Raymond Calderon, Celestino Martinez III, and Dason Larenz Lagon, along with Dr. Senen Priscillo Paulin from the Department of Education and Engr. Rodrigo Tanza.
Dejaño outlined the commission's multifaceted approach, focusing on talent identification while creating inclusive programs for diverse communities including persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and the LGBTQ community. The commission is preparing a detailed budget proposal for 2027 to support these ambitious initiatives.
